Twitter blasts Donald Trump after saying Hurricane Dorian could be ‘one of the biggest’

President Donald Trump is urging Floridians to prepare for the approaching Hurricane Dorian, which he described in typical Trump fashion in reference to size.

“It will be a very big Hurricane,” Trump tweeted Thursday morning. “Perhaps one of the biggest!”

 

Hurricane Dorian looks like it will be hitting Florida late Sunday night. Be prepared and please follow State and Federal instructions, it will be a very big Hurricane, perhaps one of the biggest!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2019

His tweeted, emphasized with a single exclamation, drew swift rebuke on social media for appearing celebratory. 

“Is he cheering for the hurricane or what,” one user speculated. 

 

Is he cheering for the hurricane or what? pic.twitter.com/vRx1N4GYqJ

— Witch of the East (@daleizcrazy) August 29, 2019

Several people chimed in on the tweet condemning his statement as one that reflected excitement instead of fear. 

Others were quick to point out that Hurricane Dorian is not and is not likely to become “one of the biggest.”

Among the ranks of hurricanes dwarfing Dorian, look at Sandy and Irma. Though the storm could still grow in size as it strengthens in the Atlantic Ocean uninhibited by land. 

But the biggest beef with Trump’s detail-lacking hurricane update was political.

Several commenters noted the sharp shift in tone from Trump’s previous Twitter comments as the storm barreled toward Puerto Rico.  

“We are tracking closely tropical storm Dorian as it heads, as usual, to Puerto Rico. FEMA and all the others are ready, and will do a great job. When they do, let them know it, and give them a big Thank You — Not like last time. That includes from the incompetent Mayor of San Juan!” Trump tweeted Wednesday.

 

We are tracking closely tropical storm Dorian as it heads, as usual, to Puerto Rico. FEMA and all others are ready, and will do a great job. When they do, let them know it, and give them a big Thank You – Not like last time. That includes from the incompetent Mayor of San Juan!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 28, 2019

Trump critics were quick to cry foul over the posts seeming distasteful message that, rather than sharing sentiments of concern, took the opportunity to blast one of his detractors. 

“Puerto Rico was spared the wrath of Dorian,” one user commented. “Too bad they had to endure the indignity of your callous words in preparation.”

 

Puerto Rico was spared the wrath of Dorian. Too bad they had to endure the indignity of your callus words in preparation. #AnyoneButTrump2020

— Jim Snow (@JDSnow78) August 29, 2019

“So you spent all day yesterday attacking Puerto Rico, for being in the path, but Florida gets a warning and some concern,” another wrote. 

 

So you spent all day yesterday attacking Puerto Rico, for being in the path, but Florida gets a warning and some concern?

— The Narrator (@KA0STHRY) August 29, 2019

In a follow up to his initial Tweet, Trump declared that he was the “best thing that’s ever happened to Puerto Rico.”

Meanwhile, others pointed to Trump’s decision this week to divert funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the nation’s border crisis to boost resources at migrant detention centers. 

“Your plan to help citizens of Florida? In case there’s catastrophic damage from the Hurricane? Because you diverted the majority of funds to your vanity wall,” a user wrote, adding a barrage of insults.

 

Your plan to help citizens of Florida? In case there’s catastrophic damage from the Hurricane? Because you diverted the majority of funds to your vanity Wall! You delusional treasonous pathological liar fucking moron conman rancid fishlips incompetent corrupt clueless ASSHOLE!! pic.twitter.com/TmKLYROzPV

— Frank D’Angelo (@FrankDangelo23) August 29, 2019

Dozens of other commenters suggested that Trump should spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort, which could suffer some of the worst parts of the storm.

Others cautioned that Trump will be descending on Florida, paper towels in tow — a direct reference to his meme-worthy response to Puerto Rico two years ago in which video captured him tossing rolls of paper towels to hurricane victims. 

 

Get your paper towels ready! pic.twitter.com/gWGynpDXsL

— 🦉LiberalGoddess 🌊 (@moonstoneowl) August 29, 2019

As far as his actual travel plans, Trump announced from the White House Rose Garden that he will not make a planned trip to Poland because of the need to focus on Dorian. He is sending Vice President Mike Pence on the overseas trip this weekend.

“The storm looks like it could be a very big one indeed,” Trump said during a ceremony to mark the establishment of the U.S. Space Command.